Eligibility Requirements

The Microbusiness Grant opportunity is open to qualified microbusinesses in Nevada County.

“Qualified microbusiness” means an entity that meets and self-certifies, under penalty of perjury, all of the following criteria:

  • Physical address within Nevada County 
  • Prior to December 31, 2019, the microbusiness began its operation and was legally operating since that time, including being registered with the California Secretary of State, if required.
  • The microbusiness is currently active and operating, or has a clear plan to reopen when the state permits reopening of the business.
  • The microbusiness was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, as evidenced by at least a 10% reduction in revenue from the 2019 to 2020 taxable years, and/or a signed attestation and narrative describing significant impact from COVID-19.
  • The microbusiness had less than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) in revenues in the 2019 taxable year. 
  • The microbusiness currently has fewer than five full-time equivalent employees and had fewer than five full-time equivalent employees in the 2019 and 2020 taxable years.
  • The microbusiness is not a business excluded from participation in the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program, as specified in paragraph (2) of subdivision (f) of Government Code Section 12100.82.

“Qualified microbusiness owner” means an individual that meets and self-certifies, under penalty of perjury, all of the following criteria:

  • The microbusiness owner is the majority-owner and manager of the qualified microbusiness.
  • The microbusiness owner’s primary means of income in the 2019 taxable year was the qualified microbusiness.
  • The microbusiness owner did not receive a grant under the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program.
  • The microbusiness owner can demonstrate their eligibility as a “qualified microbusiness owner” by providing the fiscal agent with a government issued photo identification (state, domestic, or foreign), and documentation that includes the owner’s name and may include, but is not limited to, the following:
    1. A local business permit or license or
    2. A bank statement or
    3. A tax return or
    4. Additional documentation to verify a microbusiness is a “qualified microbusiness”, as deemed appropriate by the fiscal agent.